Umbilical Cord Blood Cells

Umbilical Cord Blood Cells

Umbilical cord blood is another example of a source of adult stem cells, and its potential is universally recognised. Stem cells found in umbilical cord blood are proving so useful in regenerative medicine that many parents are now choosing to store the cells of their children’s umbilical cords, and many countries are now establishing national umbilical cord blood stem cell banks. For example, stem cells from umbilical cord blood have been very successful in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia. In one published study, 36 out of 44 children remained disease-free two years after treatment with umbilical cord blood cells.

Human cord blood cells have also been shown to be similar to bone marrow stem cells in terms of their potential to differentiate into other tissue types. These cells have turned into neuron-like cells, which have been successful in treating strokes in animals. Several reports have also noted the production of liver cells from human cord blood cells.

In 2005, cord blood derived “embryonic like” stem cells were isolated. These stem cells were successfully expanded in vitro and were able to differentiate into cells destined to be liver cells as well as pancreatic cells.

Dr.Colin McGuckin

stem cell scientist specialising in cord blood stem cells

Watch Dr. Colin McGuckin explain the science of cord blood stem cells and their successful applications. Dr. McGuckin is an Irish scientist based in France. Here he tells the Viva La Vida! Conference of his amazing work with adult stem cells, and how his work is offering hope to those with serious illnesses. In 3 parts, each part approximately 12 minutes long